COBALAMIN DEFICIENCY (VITAMIN B12) IN PETS

As a new year begins, I am once again reflecting on medical problems of the last week to share information that may be helpful to others.

Each week I watch a father and his special needs child walk their dog in the neighborhood and the interdependence of each of them. The role that I serve for this family is to educate the owners and treat the pet, and it is rewarding knowing that this beloved family pet is healthy and the owners are equipped to care for him for hopefully a long, long life. 

But sometimes, pets do get sick. Today I will share one common cause of intestinal issues, Vitamin B12 or cobalamin deficiency.

WHAT IS VITAMIN B12 AND ITS FUNCTION?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B12, like the other B vitamins, is important for cell metabolism. It helps in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the central nervous system.

WHY WOULD A CLIENT SUSPECT VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN A DOG OR CAT?

Pets may exhibit weight loss, a variety of GI signs (vomiting/diarrhea/constipation), depression, weakness, and anemia. 

ARE THERE ANY PETS THAT HAVE INHERITED MALABSORPTION DEFECTS IN VITAMIN B12 METABOLISM/ABSORPTION?

Yes, Border Collies and Giant Schnauzers.

WHAT ARE THE SUSPECTED REASONS FOR ACQUIRED VITAMIN B12 DEFIENCY IN DOGS AND CATS?

This is most commonly due to inappropriate cleaving off the vitamin from dietary meats in the stomach, lack of intrinsic factor (produced in the  pancreas) to carry the vitamin to the distal small intestine, or inability to absorb it through the ileum (last part of the small intestine).

CAN INTESTINAL DISEASES CAUSE A LACK OF ABSORPTION OF VITAMIN B12?

Yes, intestinal lymphoma, bacterial overgrowth, irritable bowel disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease of people) are some of the more commonly suspected concurrent illnesses.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

Blood levels of vitamin B12, folate, pancreatic lipase, and trypsin levels are concurrently run. 

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?

Injections of vitamin B12, weekly for 6 weeks, then every other week for 3 weeks, then once every 3 weeks for life. A recheck blood test is recommended after 2 to 3 months. Oral supplementation is not effective.

ARE THERE ANY MEDICATIONS THAT PLACE PEOPLE AND ANIMALS AT RISK OF VITAMIN B12 DEFIENCY?

Yes, omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), Nexium, Prevacid, and Pepcid AC can interfere with the acid conditions needed in the stomach to make the B vitamin available. Thus, long term use is discouraged. 

IN A RECENT SURVEY, HOW MANY SENIOR CITIZENS (HUMAN) MAY HAVE COBALAMIN DEFIENCY?

It is estimated to be 20%.

Many thanks to Sue Wiza for the photo of her dog, Nitschke.

Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate ABVP, canine and feline

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Cary, NC